23 August 2024 – final weeks before hearing<\/p>\n
“I am happy that it starts soon and hopefully it will finish soon. We will accept [the verdict], like we have always done.”<\/p>\n
In the months before the legal hearing into the charges began, Guardiola again expressed a desire for haste.<\/p>\n
13 September & 21 September 2024 – hearing begins<\/p>\n
“I know what people are looking for. I know what they are expecting – I know it because I have read it for many years.<\/p>\n
“Everyone is innocent until guilt is proven. It’s like everyone doesn’t expect us to be not just relegated, they want us to disappear off the face of the earth.”<\/p>\n
Guardiola again insisted the football world was against City from the outset, as the legal hearing into the case began.<\/p>\n
7 February 2025 – anticipating a final verdict<\/p>\n
“In one month, I think there will be a verdict and sentence.”<\/p>\n
Briefings at the time indicated a verdict was expected in early 2025. Guardiola was under the same impression, but in reality it was a long way off.<\/p>\n
The independent commission panel expressed its frustration with the time taken when it eventually published its findings last week.<\/p>\n